Obit: Leo Richard Calvin LeCompte

Wednesday

Jan 8, 2014 at 2:37 PM

Leo Richard Calvin LeCompte, whose successful tenure as the first full-time financial aid director at his alma mater has been unrivaled, departed this life on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the age of 77. His passion for student success made it possible for countless of them to realize their individual dream of a college education and pursuit of a profitable and rewarding career.

Leo was born in Cheswold, Delaware, a son of Fred and Pauline Williams LeCompte. His parents later moved to Chester, Pennsylvania, where he attended elementary school and graduated from Chester High School in 1953.Leo attended Delaware State College (now Delaware State University) and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1957. He earned his Masters of Arts Degree in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University in 1978.

Leo Richard Calvin LeCompte, whose successful tenure as the first full-time financial aid director at his alma mater has been unrivaled, departed this life on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the age of 77. His passion for student success made it possible for countless of them to realize their individual dream of a college education and pursuit of a profitable and rewarding career.
Leo was born in Cheswold, Delaware, a son of Fred and Pauline Williams LeCompte. His parents later moved to Chester, Pennsylvania, where he attended elementary school and graduated from Chester High School in 1953.
Leo attended Delaware State College (now Delaware State University) and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1957. He earned his Masters of Arts Degree in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University in 1978.
After receiving his Bachelor's degree, Leo returned to Chester and taught Special Education in the Chester School District. Three years later, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served the next two years before returning to his teaching position in Chester. In 1969, Leo accepted a position at Delaware State College as the first Director of Financial Aid. While serving in that position for more than 24 years, he was the difference that enabled students to obtain funding to finance their college education. In 1993, he left the Financial Aid Office to become Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.
Leo also demonstrated a sense of loyalty and esprit de corps by his willingness to become involved with all areas of the University. He was a strong supporter of the Delaware State University Band and also worked with the “Help One Student Succeed” (HOST) program at Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Dover, Delaware. Leo retired from DSU in 1997, but his involvement with University continued. Upon retirement, Leo volunteered as a receptionist in the Radiology Department at Bay Health Kent General Hospital in Dover, Delaware.
Leo was a member of Whatcoat United Methodist Church for over 40 years, serving on the Finance Committee and also on the Board of Directors for the Whatcoat Shelter. He was a great financial supporter of the church and its ministries. Leo was also a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Leo was preceded in death by parents; his wife, Trudell Cowell LeCompte; his brother, Delbert LeCompte; and his sister Ruth Palmer.
He leaves to celebrate his life two daughters, Rhonda Holt and Rosalind Palmer, a granddaughter, Jasmine Holt, all of Dover; his brother and wife, Ronald and Castella LeCompte of Belvedere, Del; sister in law Shirley LeCompte of Cleveland Hts., Ohio; sister and husband, Paula LeCompte Speed and Jerry Speed of New York City, NY; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, January 10, 2014 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Whatcoat U.M. Church, 341 Saulsbury Road, Dover, DE 19904. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 9 – 10:45 a.m..
Interment will be in Sharon Hill Cemetery, Dover, DE. Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover, DE.